BELFAST, Maine — At Saturday’s annual benefit auction for the Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, organizers said it was likely that Buttercup the goat will be the star.

The 17-month old Saanen pet goat has big ears, a curious disposition and is likely to provide delicious milk, as well as cute companionship, to the highest bidder.

But organizers said that the whole community will benefit from the auction, even those people who don’t get to go home with Buttercup. Last year, volunteers provided more than 4,000 hours of care to patients and families, according to director Connie Woitowitz. That includes days spent at the Mount View school complex in Thorndike working with students, teachers and families after the suicide of a 13-year-old sixth grader.

Although the volunteers donate their time to the terminally ill and bereaved, the agency does have some financial considerations, she said.

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“People think just because you’re a volunteer organization, you don’t need any money. Well, we do,” Woitowitz said.

Money raised at the annual auction and other benefit events help the hospice volunteers with postage fees and other costs associated with running volunteer trainings, support groups and other activities, she said.

“Our community is so good to us. It’s incredible,” she said.

This year, that generosity is on display with donated goods and services that include a cruise on Penobscot Bay with Captain Wayne Hamilton aboard a 36-foot pilot boat, vintage Barbies in their boxes, a motorized recliner, china, jewelry, American Girl outfits, original artwork, an eight-week course in stress reduction, a weekend stay in a cottage by the sea, horseback riding lessons, and a handmade quilt.

The event also features live music by pianist Clayton Clemetson and food by Delvino’s. The silent auction will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast. The live auction begins at 7 p.m., and attendees are asked to donate $5-$10 for the evening. For more information, please visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/events/678380938856594/